Uganda Pledges 1,200 Troops as Burundi Eyes Gaza Force

Uganda and Burundi have held talks in Israel about contributing troops to a proposed international security force for Gaza, as efforts to build the 20,000-strong mission gather pace. Uganda has approved about 1,200 personnel, while Burundi is still considering its participation.

Military officials from Uganda and Burundi visited Israel last week to discuss possible contributions to the international force envisioned under U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, according to officials familiar with the talks.

A Board of Peace official said Ugandan officials joined a Burundian military delegation during the discussions. Uganda is now finalising details of its participation after parliament approved a troop contribution this month.

Burundi has not yet made a formal commitment, but a Burundian military official indicated that the country appeared ready to move ahead with the process.

Uganda commits 1,200 troops

Uganda has committed around 1,200 personnel to the proposed force, according to officials. A Ugandan military officer familiar with preparations said troops were already being selected for a potential deployment.

The Burundian delegation included several senior military officers, reflecting what officials described as growing interest in joining the mission.

However, the precise size of any Burundian contribution and what participating countries could receive in return remain unclear.

International force faces slow progress

The proposed International Stabilization Force is expected to number around 20,000 troops and be led by U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers.

So far, troop commitments remain well below that target. Morocco has pledged up to 500 personnel, while Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Albania have together committed around 80.

Indonesia had earlier indicated it was preparing to deploy about 8,000 troops, but suspended those plans after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.

Mission tied to Gaza ceasefire plan

Under the U.S.-backed plan, the international force would deploy in parts of Gaza administered by an incoming technocratic committee after Israeli forces withdraw.

The force would be tasked with helping monitor the ceasefire, training Palestinian police, supporting security and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The arrangement also envisages Hamas disarming as part of a broader effort to end the conflict.

Ceasefire remains fragile

The ceasefire that began in Gaza last October has stalled over disagreements surrounding Israel's withdrawal and Hamas' disarmament.

Hamas has agreed to the latest U.S. proposal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected an immediate withdrawal from the roughly 60% of Gaza under Israeli control, insisting that Hamas must first be fully disarmed.

U.S. officials have continued diplomatic efforts to bridge the differences, but no concrete Israeli commitment to the proposed withdrawal has emerged.

Somalia experience could shape role

Uganda and Burundi bring significant peacekeeping experience to any potential Gaza deployment, having spent years contributing troops to African Union missions in Somalia against al-Shabab.

Security analyst Paul D. Williams of George Washington University said both countries have demonstrated a willingness to sustain difficult deployments and absorb casualties.

He also said the drawdown of the Somalia mission could encourage both governments to seek new opportunities for military support and financing.

"Deploying to Gaza with U.S. support is one way to do that," Williams said.

The possible involvement of Uganda and Burundi would expand the African role in the proposed force, but the mission still faces major political and logistical hurdles before it can become operational.